Andrade Negotiates Exit from WWE Non-Compete Clause Amid AEW Interest

Andrade is actively negotiating with WWE to exit his one-year non-compete clause, a move that could impact his future at AEW. In an interview with Deportes published on March 27, 2024, Andrade revealed that he believed he was free from obligations to WWE until he appeared on AEW programming. Following that appearance, WWE activated the clause, prompting Andrade to seek legal counsel.

“My lawyers are already talking with WWE’s lawyers, and they’re reaching an agreement. I don’t know the exact date,” Andrade stated during the interview, translated from Spanish. This development comes after Andrade faced a wellness policy violation while with WWE, which he addressed in the same interview. He explained, “I got a warning because there are many medicines or supplements in Mexico that you can use, but over there you can’t.”

WWE’s Discretion on Non-Compete Enforcement

The situation surrounding Andrade’s contract was further discussed on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, hosted by Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez. Meltzer noted that WWE’s decision to activate Andrade’s non-compete clause was at their discretion. He expressed skepticism regarding Andrade’s claims and stated, “He basically said that his non-compete is worldwide and that he expects it to be settled in less than three months.”

Meltzer also indicated that while WWE enforced a one-year non-compete period, it was unlikely they would seek to uphold it fully. “If there was a court fight that was threatened, they would probably have to stop, because there’s no way that they could keep him from wrestling for a year and not pay him,” he remarked. Meltzer suggested that if Andrade were to challenge the clause in court, it likely would not hold up.

Andrade asserted that he was unaware of the non-compete clause when he joined AEW, believing he had no remaining contractual obligations to WWE. He stated that it was only after his AEW appearance that WWE contacted him to inform him of the activation of the clause.

Contractual Confusion and Future Prospects

Questions arose regarding Andrade’s contract status with AEW. Alvarez inquired whether AEW President Tony Khan had placed Andrade on television without a valid contract. Meltzer responded, “He may have signed a contract for all we know without the knowledge that he couldn’t sign a contract. He obviously told Tony that there was no non-compete.”

The situation remains fluid as Andrade continues discussions with WWE. Fans and industry observers are keenly watching how this will unfold, particularly in light of his potential contributions to AEW.

For those interested, the full episode of Wrestling Observer Radio featuring Meltzer and Alvarez is available for subscribers. Additionally, Andrade’s interview with Deportes can be accessed for more insights into his perspective on the current situation.